WorldRemit launches airtime reload service in the Philippines

London, 19 August 2014: WorldRemit – the online money transfer provider – today announced that people in the Philippines will be able to send mobile airtime reloads using the service.

It is the first time that WorldRemit has offered sending facilities in the Philippines, which is one of the most popular receiving destinations for money transfers.

WorldRemit customers will be able to send airtime reloads to friends and family in 80 countries using their computer, smartphone or tablet. Airtime can also be added to mobile accounts within the Philippines.

Mobile airtime reloads sent through WorldRemit are delivered within seconds and are free of transfer fees - senders only pay the face value of the airtime.

Ismail Ahmed, WorldRemit’s Founder and CEO said: “WorldRemit already enjoys an excellent relationship with people in the Philippines due to the number of expatriates who use us to send money home. We are delighted that people who live there will also be able to use the service.

“For millions of people around the world, mobile airtime is a precious commodity – giving them access to healthcare, education and financial services through their phones, as well as letting them communicate with friends and family.”

Of the world’s 6.9bn mobile connections, 77% are pre-paid. The number is expected to remain stable over coming years, with an estimated 76% of people using pre-paid connections by 2017, according to GSMA intelligence.

Africa and Asia currently have the highest proportion of pre-pay at 96% and 82% respectively.